4 Networking Event Tips to Help You Make the Most of It

No matter what career you’re in, or how far up the corporate ladder you’ve climbed, there is one component of job growth that pretty much everyone needs to master—the art of networking. The term networking can mean many things, from keeping in touch with former colleagues to attending actual events that are meant to connect like-minded workers.

Whatever form of networking we’re talking about, though, the fact remains that this type of connection can often be intimidating and nerve-wracking. Putting a little thought into and developing a plan or strategy can help take the edge off at the next networking event.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind the next time a networking event opportunity arises:

If you’ll be attending an actual networking event in the near future, it helps to take some time beforehand to go over your resume and run through your top achievements so that you can be ready to list them off at a moment’s notice.

When it comes to those achievements, the more specific you can be, the better. If you brought in a new account worth a certain amount of money at your last job, or successfully launched a campaign that garnered however many new users, be sure to have those exact numbers on hand so you can spout them off to all those sure-to-be-impressed co-networkers.

2. Store copies of your resume and business cards close by.

Nothing says, “I’m not prepared” more than showing up to a networking event without the essentials—meaning copies of your resume and business card. You can have the best conversation with a head honcho and leave her desperate for a further connection by spouting off all your hard-earned successes, but if you have to write your contact information down on a napkin with a pen you borrowed from her because you didn’t have a resume or business card on hand, that will likely be the lasting memory she has of your meeting.

3. Keep your cool.

Even if walking into a room full of people is your worst nightmare, try your best to stay calm and relaxed. Prepping ahead of time with the two steps mentioned above will help, since it’s easier to stay relaxed when you know you’re as prepared as possible, but if that’s not enough, take a little extra time throughout the day before your event to do the things that you know put you at ease, like going for a run, getting a massage, grabbing a coffee with a friend, or even taking a nap.

4. Have a follow-up plan.

Don’t leave it to the people you meet at networking events to follow up with you regarding potential possibilities, have a plan to follow up with them yourself. Even if someone doesn’t get contact information from you, if you think you could be an asset to them, ask for their contact information and set a reminder to follow up with them in a week to suggest a coffee meeting to further discuss how you might be able to help them achieve their work-related goals.